heirloom edc

theoriginalspaceman

theoriginalspaceman

Joined
Sep 16, 2012
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I've been enjoying reading and learning about blades on this site for the last couple months. I'm someone who doesn't know much about knives, so perusing all the topics and info has been informative and entertaining. I finally had to sign up, mostly to ask this question...

I've been searching for a folder that would be something I use daily. I work construction, but wouldn't use it for anything heavy or damaging - just normal day-to-day stuff. My main requirement is it be something that will last the test of time - I want to be able to pass it on to my son when he's older as 'something dad carried in his pocket every day'. That doesn't mean it needs to be fancy or anything, just something of high quality that will still work and be tight in 15 years, and hopefully bring Jack good memories of his dad.

I've been reading lots of reviews here, and have narrowed it down to a few. The problem is that there are no stores where I live that sell any of these, so I can't handle them before I buy. I'll just have to go off of recommendations from guys who've owned them. My budget is around $150.

I really like what I've read about the Hogue EX01, the Paramilitary 2, and the ZT 0550. I've had to chance to handle a Benchmade 723 and really liked it, though I'd prefer a regular edge to serrated. I guess about that size is what I'm after.

I've owned a Caly 3 and really liked it, but didn't care for the wire clip (it was always getting bent and I didn't notice, then it would fall out of my pocket). I own an Endura and a Delica and like them OK, but don't like how the FRN handles flex when the knife is open (it is very slight, but I like a more solid feel). I liked the Endura more than the Delica. I liked my Buck 298 Sirus, but didn't really like the slick aluminum handle. I checked out all the Bucks at the headquarters store in Post Falls, ID but didn't get a 'zing' out of any of them.

This will be my last high dollar (for me) knife purchase (though I'm sure guys say that all the time!), and since I can't handle any of them (save the Benchmade), any advice would be much appreciated! I just remember how cool it was for my dad to give me his baseball glove, and I'd like to do something similar for Jack when he's old enough.

Thanks.
 
Gayle Bradley, it will aquire lots of character if you let it patina naturally :thumbup:
 
it not on your list but a benchmade 710 with m390 steel will be an amazing knife. it is just one of those knives that has stood the test of time. i would make sure you get the m390 exclusive from knifeworksDOTcom. a spyderco military would also be an awesome choice. they are my two favourite folders for so many dang reasons. and thats coming from a guy who owns multiple sebenzas and a strider sng.
 
I'd vote for the 0550 then the hogue out of the ones you listed.
 
There are lots of quality knives that would work for you- Spyderco, Benchmade, ZT would all do the job starting from around $100 up to 300. Just these 3 brands may account for 20 or more reasonable knives that people here commonly recommend. Cold Steel, Kershaw and Ontario could provide more suggestions for under $100. Even a Spyderco for $100 or so could last for a long time under hard use. You could certainly spend more and buy a Hinderer or Strider or Sebenza. Working construction and carrying an expensive knife I would be concerned about losing it but I think if you can hang onto it, the knife will do its part.

It would help with the suggestions if you would state what blade and handle size range you want, and what blade lock type you might prefer.

If I was you and size was not an object, I would choose a Spyderco Manix 2 XL, Spyderco Gayle Bradley, Benchmade 520, Benchmade Adamas, Benchmade 581 Barrage, ZT 200 or ZT 560.
 
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I dunno... at least to me, a modern folder just isn't the kind of thing that you would pass on to your kid. I'm not saying they won't last long enough, but when I think "heirloom," a ZT 550 really isn't what comes to mind. Have you considered something traditional?
 
Dan57 said:
I dunno... at least to me, a modern folder just isn't the kind of thing that you would pass on to your kid. I'm not saying they won't last long enough, but when I think "heirloom," a ZT 550 really isn't what comes to mind. Have you considered something traditional?
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We were passed down traditional knives because that's what our fathers and grandfathers carried. To them, when they were carrying them, they were modern knives. The fact that it came from dad means more than it being modern vs traditional.

That said, I agree with the spyderco gayle bradley suggestion. Its a spectacular knife with spectacular materials and spectacular build quality. And the m4 steel will naturally patina over time giving it that nice nostalgic look.
 
The fact that it will have been YOURS will make it an heirloom to a descendant. Some will treasure, some will trash.

Not all airy fairy here but be sure you TELL your son that he is a good man, that you love him and are proud of him. Lot of Dads assume that is just known and don't need to say it - wrong. Lot of competing messages out there and sometimes the really important stuff never gets done.

Gave my oldest grandson a Western sheath knife that I'd owned and used since I was 13, I'm now 74 and he's probably cut himself at least once with it- that knife would take an edge.

Good thinking on the heirloom facet of your next knife purchase.
 
Unk said:
The fact that it will have been YOURS will make it an heirloom to a descendant. Some will treasure, some will trash.

Not all airy fairy here but be sure you TELL your son that he is a good man, that you love him and are proud of him. Lot of Dads assume that is just known and don't need to say it - wrong. Lot of competing messages out there and sometimes the really important stuff never gets done.

Gave my oldest grandson a Western sheath knife that I'd owned and used since I was 13, I'm now 74 and he's probably cut himself at least once with it- that knife would take an edge.

Good thinking on the heirloom facet of your next knife purchase.
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Great post Unk.:thumbup:
 
"Remember the men from whom you are sprung"

That pretty much says it all Unk. Great advice there.
 
mkjellgren said:
We were passed down traditional knives because that's what our fathers and grandfathers carried. To them, when they were carrying them, they were modern knives. The fact that it came from dad means more than it being modern vs traditional.
Click to expand...

I agreed with this when I first read it, but I was thinking about it again just now, and I'm not sure if I really do completely agree.
Sure, the fact that the knife was passed down from father to son will matter the most. But at the same time, I think if you're planning on handing the knife down, you should give some consideration to what the world will be like by the time your son inherits it. The fad of heavy, overbuilt folders, is just that: a fad. As Dieter Rams says:
"Good design is long-lasting. It avoids being fashionable and therefore never appears antiquated. Unlike fashionable design, it lasts many years – even in today’s throwaway society."
I think the OP should consider the above before buying anything.
And, yeah... I agree with a lot of the other guys in this thread that the Gayle Bradley is probably the best choice. The ZT 550 will be out of date by the time your son gets the knife, and so will the Hogue, though to a lesser extent. The Para2 probably won't be, but it's kind of plain. Not the kind of thing I'd want to hand down, unless it was a sprint run. True, the Gayle Bradley is overbuilt, too; but unlike the other two, it's not just overbuilt for the sake of being so. I like the GB.
I'd also like to suggest Al Mar. They make some nice stuff.
 
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